How Does Custom Invitation Design Work? What to Expect From Your Stationer

In the last blog, we talked about tips for finding the right stationer for you. Today is all about the consultation and what you should know about working with a stationer on a custom wedding suite.

what to expect during your consultation

Most designers will ask you to fill out a short inquiry form prior to the consultation. This allows them to get a feel for your style, budget, and expectations, which will make the meeting more productive.

If the form asks for inspirational photos or Pinterest boards, be sure to include them! Even if they don’t include invitations, any wedding boards will help your stationer understand your style up front, which will save you time in the long run.

During the consultation, the stationer will have a list of questions to coax out a design direction. They should also have samples of past work, paper, color swatches, and embellishments, as well as suggestions for your suite. If you’re working with an out-of-town stationer, be sure to have paper samples mailed to you so you can feel the texture and weight for yourself. Have fun with this and let your creativity flow! 

Also, ask questions of your own. Before signing a contract, be sure you know the answers to the following:

a) How many rounds of revisions are included?
b) How does the revision process work? What is considered a revision?
c) How long will the DESIGN PROCESS take?
d) How long will PRODUCTION take?
e) What are your payment policies? (Most require a 50% deposit before work begins!)
f) What is your minimum order? (If having a small wedding.)
g) If there’s a particular embellishment or service you want (i.e. calligraphy, letterpress, acrylic, etc.) ask the designer if he/she offers it.
h) Is assembly included in the price?

Communicating with your stationer

Once the contract is signed, have all your wedding details ready (names, venue addresses, reply dates, etc). Your stationer will help you with the invitation wording, but you’ll need to provide the details! Most will send you a detailed form after receiving your deposit.

In order for the design process to flow smoothly, it’s important that you respond promptly to proofs. Your stationer should provide you with a timeline for proofing, and if you don’t respond within the set timeframe, it may delay the production of your invitations. This is where you have some control over the speed of the design process. The faster you respond, the faster the work will go!

Finally, know that every stationer’s design process is different. That’s why it’s important to ask upfront how proofs will be received and how many revisions are included. Like with every wedding vendor, you should feel comfortable talking with your stationer and trust in their ability to deliver a beautiful design.

Proofread your invitations!

Whether you’re working with a professional or not, proofing your wedding invitations is the most important part of the process. You don’t want your beautiful invitations to arrive with your venue’s address a number off. Read through everything carefully before signing off on final proofs. Then have at least two other people proof it after you! Proofreading also includes guest addresses. While checking guest addresses may be tedious, many of my clients have come back with changes before production begins. Check out this blog for tips on addressing envelopes!

In most cases, once you sign off on final proofs, changes cannot be made without additional fees. So take this part seriously!

Your experience with your stationer should be fun. After all, your invitations are the first glimpse both you and your guests will see of your wedding. So give yourself the time to enjoy this part of the wedding planning!

Interested in working with us? Learn more about our one-on-one design process or get started below!